Cops: Robber Made Getaway On Wheelchair

Amputee, 79, targeted during home invasion

View Document

Wheelchair Getaway

Wheelchair Getaway

APRIL 23--After breaking into the home of a 79-year-old amputee early this morning, a California man stole the victim’s cell phone and then pushed him out of his electric wheelchair, which he then rode away from the crime scene, police allege.

According to investigators, Stanley McQuery, 54, broke into the San Diego apartment of William Ballard around 3:30 AM.

Ballard, who has one leg, was seated in his wheelchair when he confronted the home invader. As Ballard attempted to call for help, McQuery “pushed the victim off his electric wheelchair and took the victim's cell phone,” according to a San Diego Police Department report.

McQuery then “rode off with the victim's wheelchair and cell phone,” cops noted.

The suspect, however, did not get far.

Officers spotted McQuery riding the motorized wheelchair about two blocks from Ballard’s home. When McQuery jumped out of the wheelchair and began to run, a “police service dog was deployed and bit McQuery,” who was then taken into custody (as seen above).

Locked up in the San Diego Central Jail in lieu of $105,000 bail, McQuery has been charged with two felonies (robbery and burglary) and several misdemeanors, including elder abuse. He is scheduled for an April 27 court appearance.